Compact container for cosmetics or the like

ABSTRACT

The invention contemplates a container construction involving a slide or drawer part that is longitudinally reciprocable with respect to a frame part, for opening and closing action. The slide or drawer is formed with or connected to a flexible tail or closure panel which tracks guides in the frame part during the opening and closing movements. In closed position, the flexible panel covers the top of the frame, thus sealing off a mirror or other means carried by the top of the frame. In open position, both the drawer contents and the mirror are exposed. No part of the mirror is relied upon to close or seal off the cosmetic substance, and the flexible panel which seals off the mirror is totally independent of the means which seals off the cosmetic substance.

United States Patent [72] lnventors James Michael McArdle;

William James Landen, both of Cheshire, Conn.

Sept. 12, 1969 June 1, 1971 Eyelet Specialty Company Wallingford, Conn.

[211 App]. No. [22] Filed [45] Patented [73] Assignee [54] COMPACT CONTAINER FOR COSMETICS OR THE LIKE 17 Claims, 6 Drawing Figs.

2,320,556 6/1943 Belshaw 5/1951 Benedict ABSTRACT: The invention contemplates a container construction involving a slide or drawer part that is longitudinally reciprocable with respect to a frame part, for opening and closing action. The slide or drawer is formed with or connected to a flexible tail or closure panel which tracks guides in the frame part during the opening and closing movements. In closed position, the flexible panel covers the top of the frame, thus sealing off a mirror or other means carried by the top of the frame. In open position, both the drawer contents and the mirror are exposed. No part of the mirror is relied upon to close or seal off the cosmetic substance, and the flexible panel which seals off the mirror is totally independent of the means which seals off the cosmetic substance.

COMPACT CONTAINER FOR COSMETICS OR THE LIKE This invention relates to compact containers as for the accommodation and selective dispensing of cosmetic substance.

In a ladys compact of conventional construction, a mirror is provided for convenience in observing the application of cosmetic substance, but it is a common fault that the construction allows flaked or powdery cosmetic substance to soil the mirror, particularlywhen the container is closed and subjected to vibration. Efforts to solve the problem and to assure a clean and neat interior have involved relatively expensive and complex structures, and do not lend themselves to the utmost facility of use. I

It is an object of the invention to provide an improved compact container construction which substantially avoids the above-noted difiiculties.

A specific object is to provide an improved cosmetic container which assures cleanly localized retention of cosmetic substance.

Another specific object is to provide an improved cosmetic container wherein the mirror is inherently maintained, free of soilage by cosmetic substance, when in closed position.

A further specific object is to meet the foregoing objects with a basically simple construction, lending itself to low-cost mass production and at the same time offering the greatest facility of one-handed opening and closing action, in which both the'mirror and the cosmetic substance are exposed for use in one simple manual actuation.

Other objects and various further features of novelty and invention will be pointed out or will occur to those skilled in the art from a reading of the following specification in connection with the accompanying drawings. In said drawings, which show, for illustrative purposes only, a preferred form of the invention:

F lg. 1 is a perspective view from above, showing a container of the invention in closed position;

FIG. 2 is a view similar to FIG. 1, showing the relation of parts in partially open condition;

FIG. 3 is another similar view, showing the parts in fully open relation;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the container of FIG. I, viewed from below and showing the parts in partially open relation; a portion being broken away and sectioned to reveal local detail; I

FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view of components of one of the movable parts of FIG. 1; and

FIG. 6 is an exploded perspective view of components of another of the movable parts of FIG. 1.

Briefly stated, the invention contemplates a container construction involving a slide or drawer part that is longitudinally reciprocable with respect to a frame part, for opening and closing action. The slide or drawer is formed with or connected to a flexible tail or closure panel which tracks guides in the frame part during the opening and closing movements. In closed position, the flexible panel covers the top of the frame, thus sealing off a-mirror or other means carried by the top of the frame. In open position, both the drawer contents and the mirror are exposed. No part of the mirror is relied upon to close or seal off the cosmetic substance, and the flexible panel which seals off the mirror is totally independent of the means which seals off the cosmetic substance.

Referring to the drawings, the invention is shown in application to a generally rectangular prismatic cosmetic compact structure involving primarily two relatively movable parts, namely, a drawer or slide element 10 and a frame element 11. In the frame element 1 l, a spacer panel 12 integrally connects opposed upstanding side panels 13-14, between which the drawer or slide element 10 is slidably received. The element 10 may be .variously formed as desired for material to be stored and selectively accessible. For example, plural spaced upwardly open pockets may be provided, for accommodating a similar plurality of cosmetic substances of different shade, each pocket complete with its own puff or applicator; however, in the form shown, a single such recess or pocket 15 is provided in drawer element 10. It will be understood that a conventional powder-cake can and applicator may be received within the volume of recess 15 and that by providing a close sliding clearance between the rim or top edges of pocket 15 and the smooth, flat undersurface of spacer panel 12, the mere closure of the drawer 10 will effectively seal off its contents.

For the further guidance of the drawer 10 the side panels 13-14 include opposed elongated guide means on a first course that is parallel to and relied upon for the direction of drawer action. Such guide means may involve integral projections from the side panels, extending into corresponding grooves in adjacent sides of the drawer 10; however, in the form shown, integral outwardly projecting glides 16-16 on drawer 10 are guided in corresponding opposed grooves 17-17' in the side panels. An integral pull element 18 enables finger grasping access to the drawer; preferably, the pull element 18 is of transverse cross section effectively matching that of the frame member 11, i.e., it is higher and wider than the drawer 10 proper, so as to provide greater sealing effectiveness when in closed position.

The spacer panel 12 may be of such substantial thickness as to incorporate an upwardly open pocket or recess 20, for reception of a cake of further cosmetic substance, or for the reception of a mirror 21 shown with its top surface substantially flush with the top surface of the spacer panel 12.

In accordance with a feature of the invention, the drawer element 10 also includes or carries a tail or flexible panel 22 which is guided by suitable means in the side panels 13-14 so as to seal off both mirror 21 and the pocket 15 when the container is closed (FIG. 1), and to simultaneously upwardly expose both these items when the container is open (FIG. 3). In the form shown, the guide means for this purpose is provided by a continuous groove formed in each of the side panels. In each case, the guide groove relies upon the first elongated course 17-17 already identified, below the plane of the spacer panel 12. A similar second elongated course 23-23 is provided above the spacer panel, and these two courses are joined at the back longitudinal end of the container, by a semicircular groove portion. As shown, the latter is a laterally extensive semicircular annulus defined on the outside by a sheath 24, and on the inside by an enlarged semicircular formation 25 (FIG. 5) on the back longitudinal end of spacer panel 12.

The flexible panel 22 may be rendered longitudinally flexible and transversely stiff by adopting a transversely ribbed or corrugated construction analogous to the cover of a rolltop desk. The panel 22 may, however, be of integral moldedplastic construction, with enlarged or thickened extra-stiff transverse ends 26-27. The upper end stiffener 26 is received and remains in the grooves 23-23 of the upper elongated course, having an abutment relation with sheath 24 to limit withdrawing action (FIG. 3), at which time the mirror 21 is fully exposed, while the drawer is extended, but still in guided, relation with frame member 11. In closed position (FIG. 1),

offmirror 21.

The other (lower) stiffener 27 may be integrally formed with the lower rear transverse edge of drawer 10, but when the flexible panel 22 with its. end stiffeners 26-27) is formed separately as shown in FIG. 6, the stiffener 27 is secured to or united with the drawer element 10, as at the lower transverse recess 28.

We have described a simple compact structure with unique features and lending itself to inexpensive mass production. The drawer element 10 may be injection molded of suitable plastics material in a single operation; or, as shown it may be the assembly of two parts, secured at 2728. The frame element 11 may also be made from two injection molded plastics parts, as suggested in FIG. 5, where the spacer and side panels 12-14 and guide members 24-25 are one part, and the side panel 13 is the other part; it will be appreciated that a limited recess 29 at the inner surface of side panel 13 may conform to the adjacent shape of spacer 12 (along edge 30, and its bulbous end at 25), to assure accurately located assembly, for permanent bonding, as by sonic welding techniques. Another limited recess 31 conforms to and receives the adjacent end of sheath 24, for ultimate structural integrity of the entire frame member 11.

To assemble the container shown, the FIG. 6 parts are first united to make the drawer element 10. This assembly is then laterally inserted into the right-hand part of FIG. 5, making sure that drawer glide 16' and the corresponding edge of panel 22 locate in the guide l7'23' ofside panel 14. Side panel 13 is then assembled and permanently secured to complete the frame member 11.

The described device will be seen to achieve the stated objects. A single manual operation opens and closes the container, making the mirror 21 and the cosmetic substance at 15 simultaneously accessible. Closure effects independent sealing of the cosmetic substance and of the mirror, using parts that have no chance of promoting cosmetic soilage of the mirror. The opening and closing can be either by pulling the drawer at 18, or by thumb manipulation of the stiffener 26, while using the rest ofthe same hand to grasp the frame member 1 1.

While the invention has been described in detail for the preferred form shown, it will be understood that modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the invention. Moreover, the invention is not limited to the use of cosmetics or of a mirror.

What we claim is;-

1. A container comprising a drawer element and a frame element longitudinally reciprocable for selective draweropening and closing action, said frame element including opposed side'panels and a spacer panel connecting said side panels, opposed faces of each of said side panels having a continuous guide extending from a first elongated course below said spacer panel and around one longitudinal end of said spacer panel to a second elongated course above said spacer panel, and a flexible closure panel connected to said drawer at one end and slidably guided by the guides of both said panels.

2. A container according to claim 1, in which said drawer has an upwardly open cavity which is closed by a closeclearance relation with the underside ofsaid spacer panel.

3. A container according to claim 1, in which said guide for each side panel is a groove slidably accommodating a guided edge of said closure panel.

4. A container according to claim 1, in which said drawer element includes guide means coacting with the respective guides of said first elongated course.

5. A container according to claim 1, in which said frame element includes a sheath continuously connecting said side panels outside said guide at said one longitudinal end.

6. A container according to claim 1, in which said first and second courses are parallel to the direction of reciprocation of said drawer element and in which a generally semicircular course connects said first and second courses around said one longitudinal end.

7. A container comprising a slide element and a frame element longitudinally reciprocable for selective opening and closing action, said frame element including opposed side panels and a spacer panel connecting said side panels, opposed faces of each of said side panels having a continuous guide extending from a first elongated course below said spacer panel and around one longitudinal end of said spacer panel to a second elongated course above said spacer panel, and a flexible closure panel connected to said slide at one end and slidably guided by the guides of both side panels, said closure panel being of such effective length along said guides that in the closed position of said slide beneath said spacer panel the extended end of said flexible panel substantially covers said spacer panel and that in the open position of said slide the extended end of said flexible panel is withdrawn to substantially expose the upper face of said spacer panel.

8. A container according to claim 7, in which a generally central region of said slide is recessed to accommodate stored material WhlCh lS selectively accessible with said opening and closing action.

9. A container according to claim 7, in which a generally central region of said spacer panel is recessed to accommodate selectively accessible means.

10. A container according to claim 8, in which said recess is a pocket adapted for the storage of cosmetic or the like material.

11. A container according to claim 9, in which said recess is a pocket adapted for retention of a cosmetic or the like mirror.

12. A container according to claim 7, in which stop means coacts between relatively movable elements to determine a limiting closed position of said slide and closure panel.

13. A container according to claim 7, in which stop means coacts between relatively movable elements to determine a limiting open position of said slide when the upper surface of said spacer panel is substantially exposed.

14. A container comprising a drawer element having an upwardly open pocket for cosmetic or the like material, a frame element longitudinally reciprocable with respect to said drawer element for drawer-opening and closing action at one longitudinal end of said frame element, said frame element including opposed upstanding side panels and a spacer panel connecting said side panels, opposed faces of each of said side panels having a guide groove extending from a first elongated course below said spacer panel and around the other longitudinal end of said spacer panel to a second elongated course above said spacer panel, the upper surface of said spacer including a reflector, and a flexible closure panel connected to said drawer and one end and having opposed edges slidably guided by the grooves of both side panels, said closure panel being of such effective length along said grooves that in the closed position of said drawer beneath said spacer panel the extended end of said flexible panel substantially covers said reflector and that in the open position of said drawer said reflector is exposed.

15. A container according to claim 14, in which said frame member includes a semicylindrical sheath connecting said side panels and surrounding said flexible panel at said other end, the inner surface of said sheath being substantially continuous with the outer wall of the groove in each side panel.

16. A container according to claim 15, in which said other longitudinal end of said spacer member is semicylindrical between said side panels in a surface that is substantially continuous with that of the inner wall of the groove in each side panel, whereby said flexible member is guided between laterally extensive semicylindrical surfaces in its passage from one to the other of said elongated courses.

17. A container according to claim 14, in which said drawer element includes an externally accessible drawer-pull end of lateral cross section substantially matching that of said frame member, whereby upon drawer closure the alignments of said elongated courses are closed by said drawer-pull end. 

1. A container comprising a drawer element and a frame element longitudinally reciprocable for selective drawer-opening and closing action, said frame element including opposed side panels and a spacer panel connecting said side panels, opposed faces of each of said side panels having a continuous guide extending from a first elongated course below said spacer panel and around one longitudinal end of said spacer panel to a second elongated course above said spacer panel, and a flexible closure panel connected to said drawer at one end and slidably guided by the guides of both said panels.
 2. A container according to claim 1, in which said drawer has an upwardly open cavity which is closed by a close-clearance relation with the underside of said spacer panel.
 3. A container according to claim 1, in which said guide for each side panel is a groove slidably accommodating a guided edge of said closure panel.
 4. A container according to claim 1, in which said drawer element includes guide means coacting with the respective guides of said first elongated course.
 5. A container according to claim 1, in which said frame element includes a sheath continuously connecting said side panels outside said guide at said one longitudinal end.
 6. A container according to claim 1, in which said first and second courses are parallel to the direction of reciprocation of said drawer element and in which a generally semicircular course connects said first and second courses around said one longitudinal end.
 7. A container comprising a slide element and a frame element longitudinally reciprocable for selective opening and closing action, said frame element including opposed side panels and a spacer panel connecting said side panels, opposed faces of each of said side panels having a continuous guide extending from a first elongated course below said spacer panel and around one longitudinal end of said spacer panel to a second elongated course above said spacer panel, and a flexible closure panel connected to said slide at one end and slidably guided by the guides of both side panels, said closure panel being of such effective length along said guides that in the closed position of said slide beneath said spacer panel the extended end of said flexible panel substantially covers said spacer panel and that in the open position of said slide the extended end of said flexible panel is withdrawn to substantially expose the upper face of said spacer panel.
 8. A container according to claim 7, in which a generally central region of said slide is recessed to accommodate stored material which is selectively accessible with said opening and closing action.
 9. A container according to claim 7, in which a generally central region of said spacer panel is recessed to accommodate selectively accessible means.
 10. A container according to claim 8, in which said recess is a pocket adapted for the storage of cosmetic or the like material.
 11. A container according to claim 9, in which said recess is a pocket adapted for retention of a cosmetic or the like mirror.
 12. A container according to claim 7, in which stop means coacts between relatively movable elements to determine a limiting closed position of said slide and closure panel.
 13. A container according to claim 7, in which stop means coacts between relatively movable elements to determine a limiting open position of said slide when the upper surface of said spacer panel is substantially exposed.
 14. A container comprising a drawer element having an upwardly open pocket for cosmetic or the like material, a frame element longitudinally reciprocable with respect to said drawer element for drawer-opening and closing action at one longitudinal end of said frame element, said frame element including opposed upstanding side panels and a spacer panel connecting said side panels, opposed faces of each of said side panels having a guide groove extending from a first elongated course below said spacer panel and around the other longitudinal end of said spacer panel to a second elongated course above said spacer panel, the upper surface of said spacer including a reflector, and a flexible closure panel connected to said drawer and one end and having opposed edges slidably guided by the grooves of both side panels, said closure panel being of such effective length along said grooves that in the closed position of said drawer beneath said spacer panel the extended end of said flexible panel substantially covers said reflector and that in the open position of said drawer said reflector is exposed.
 15. A container according to claim 14, in which said frame member includes a semicylindrical sheath connecting said side panels and surrounding said flexible panel at said other end, the inner surface of said sheath being substantially continuous with the outer wall of the groove in each side panel.
 16. A cOntainer according to claim 15, in which said other longitudinal end of said spacer member is semicylindrical between said side panels in a surface that is substantially continuous with that of the inner wall of the groove in each side panel, whereby said flexible member is guided between laterally extensive semicylindrical surfaces in its passage from one to the other of said elongated courses.
 17. A container according to claim 14, in which said drawer element includes an externally accessible drawer-pull end of lateral cross section substantially matching that of said frame member, whereby upon drawer closure the alignments of said elongated courses are closed by said drawer-pull end. 